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TOI'S FIFA World Cup XI

Forget the GOAT debate, here are the stars who put their best foot forward in Russia. Happy debating!

TNN | Updated: Jul 15, 2018, 13:44 IST

Highlights

Luka Modric leads TOI's FIFA World Cup XI

Mbappe, Griezmann and Hazard are the three forwards

England's Harry Kane fits in the role of a striker

Forget the GOAT debate, here are the stars who put their best foot forward in Russia. Happy debating!

JORDAN PICKFORD (ENG, Goalkeeper)One of the best shot-stoppers. His fiery display in the penalty shootouts against Colombia was rated by pundits as one of the best-ever World Cup performances by an England goalie. He showed great composure, reflexes and ball distribution skills. Was constantly involved in keeping his defenders in check.

BENJAMIN PAVARD (FRA, Defender)A target of top European clubs after his string of clinical performances, the centre-back for Stuttgart was impressive upfront too, scoring a memorable goal from outside the box against Argentina.

DEJAN LOVREN (CRO, Defender)“I’m one of the world’s best defenders,” Lovren asserted after helping Croatia reach a World Cup final for the first time. The Liverpool centreback had the measure of Messi and he managed to keep Harry Kane in check in the semifinal.

DIEGO GODIN (URU, Defender)The Uruguay captain enhanced his reputation with another solid show. He formed a firm partnership with his Atletico Madrid teammate Jose Gimenez as Uruguay entered the knockouts without conceding. Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal were nullified but the French were a bit too much for Godin and Co.

IVAN STRINIC (CRO, Defender)The Croatian left-back played the perfect foil to Ivan Perisic, quietly slipping under the radar as Croatia’s more acclaimed stars took the limelight.

N’GOLO KANTE (FRA, Midfielder)The diminutive holding midfielder has been one of France’s biggest assets with his breakneck speed and astonishing stamina. His sheer dominance in the middle of the pitch shut out Lionel Messi in their last-16 clash. Quiet and hardworking, it is no surprise that teammate Paul Pogba feels Kante must have nine lungs.

LUKA MODRIC (CRO, Midfielder) CAPTAINCroatia’s captain marvel. The player who passed the most, and created the most chances. The Real Madrid galactico has been the cornerstone of Croatia’s campaign as the team won three games in a row which went into extra-time. Modric was man-of-the-match thrice and his 30- yard screamer against Argentina will be long remembered.

KYLIAN MBAPPE (FRA, Forward)Mbappe showed in the Argentina clash just why he is so highly rated. Marcos Rojo was not the first and surely won’t be the last defender to suffer at the hands of the 19-year-old French forward’s explosive speed and fancy footwork.

ANTOINE GRIEZMANN (FRA, Forward)Found the back of the net just three times in Russia, including two from penalties, but it would be an injustice to measure Griezmann’s contribution solely in terms of goals. While the spotlight has been on Mbappe, the 27-year-old has gone about his business quietly, playing behind the disappointing Giroud.

EDEN HAZARD (BEL, Forward)Belgium have scored the most goals (14) in the tournament, and captain Eden Hazard has led by example. He has kept rival defenders busy with his dazzling runs and sudden change of direction, since he cuts in from the flanks quite sharply. Hazard has linked up admirably with Kevin de Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku. Apart from scoring two goals, he has provided two assists as well.

HARRY KANE (ENG, Striker)Showed the instincts of a quality target man against Tunisia. While one could argue that three of Kane’s six goals came from the spot, you just don’t leave out a man poised to win the Golden Boot, do you?

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